Donors

Recent News

Grants of $356,600 to Westchester Organizations
Westchester Community Foundation has made seventeen grants totaling $356,600 to local agencies.  “We are so proud to be able to fund programs at these wonderful agencies,” said Catherine Marsh, WCF’s Executive Director. “A key goal of the foundation is to bring together philanthropists and organizations that serve the community—the vetting process in awarding these grants assures our donors that their support is being used in the best way possible.” In early 2009’s economic downturn, the Westchester Community Foundation’s Board of Advisors voted to direct any funds possible (those not restricted by donors) to critical needs in the county, notably food, shelter, and safety.
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Stephanie Crispinelli Fund Established
The family of Stephanie Crispinelli has established the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund in her memory. Stephanie was one of a group of students and faculty from Lynn University of Boca Raton, Florida, who had just arrived in Haiti when the earthquake struck on January 12, 2010. The group was there to participate in the "Journey of Hope" program with the nonprofit organization Food for the Poor. This Fund will continue Stephanie's legacy of caring and giving by supporting charitable, educational and scientific projects.  Donations may be made to: The Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund, Westchester Community Foundation, 200 North Central Park Ave, Suite 310, Hartsdale, NY 10530.
 
2010 Grants Opportunities
The Competitive Grants Process for 2010 has been announced.  Click here for more details.
 
Private Foundation & Community Foundation Funds PDF Print E-mail

The Weschester Commuity Foundation works with Private Foundations

  • WCF and private foundations work collaboratively to conceive and fund local and regional initiatives
  • WCF program staff can identify local nonprofit organizations to support in order to fulfill a foundation's articulated philanthropic goals
  • The annual mandatory payout can be transferred into a WCF fund
  • The assets of a private foundation can be transferred into a WCF fund support local efforts to build community.

 

The Weschester Commuity Foundation OR a Private Foundation?

Private foundations are a popular option for today’s donor, and for some donors they are the right option. But as the Wall Street Journal reported on April 22, 2009, there is an increasing trend toward transferring them to community foundations or commercial gift funds, suggesting that they weren’t the correct vehicle in the first place. And the president of the Foundation Center, which recently surveyed family foundations, said:  “As these young foundations face transition in leadership from the first to the second generations, questions about sustainability, family capacity or commitment, donor intent, and foundation impact may lead them to consider their options.”

Read more about transferring a private foundation to a community foundation.

 

The Westchester Community Foundation AND a Private Foundation?

Many families who set up charitable funds at Westchester Community Foundation also have private family foundations. Often, the donor uses a fund here to support causes and nonprofits that are outside the general focus of the private foundation. Many set up a fund with us to take advantage of our grant staff, who are expert in a variety of local issues and can vet proposals, read financial statements, evaluate programs, study trends, and make grants that address critically important needs. And almost all want to join with other generous donors who care about Westchester.


Terminating a Private Foundation

If the vision of its founders fades, continued administration of a private foundation might become a burden to successors. A private foundation can be terminated and its assets transferred into a fund in WCF without incurring penalties. WCF takes over the management of investments and all administrative aspects of giving. Directors may remain involved as donor advisers to the fund so that they retain the fun part of giving.